Ms Mushikiwabo noted that Rwanda's grassroots "gacaca" courts had in 10 years handled about 2 million cases stemming from the 1994 genocide.

The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda had, by contrast, processed only 75 cases in 17 years, the minister observed.

However, a Security Council presidential statement adopted at the close of Monday's debate indirectly affirmed the role of the ICC in cases such as those involving Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto.

The council's statement emphasised that "the fight against impunity for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide is an important element of conflict prevention."

The council added that it "highlights in this regard the role of the international criminal justice system."